How to
grow Quinoa
In order to secure the successful cultivation of quinoa in Northern Europe, several aspects must be considered. The only cultivars to grow are daylength neutral varieties developed in Europe.
The establishment of the crop is critical, as all small seeded crops are sensitive to a shallow sowing depth in a uniform and humid seedbed.
The next important issue is weed control, which should be done as carefully and precisely as possible with hoeing between the rows. Harvest takes place when seeds are mature, and plants are dry.
The disease of most importance in quinoa is downy mildew (Peronospora quinoae), which is always present where quinoa is sown. It does have a negative effect on yield, but normally the disease is not affecting final quality of seeds.
If the crop is well established and in good growth, the effect of disease is less than if climate is cold and humid, and plant density is high (Danielsen et al., 2001, 2002).
Yield levels in Northern Europe are normally 1-2 T/HA, but with potentially higher yields as demonstrated in plot trials (Jacobsen et al., 1994; 2010); Jacobsen, 1997; Schulte auf’m Erley et al., 2005).
Quinoa is naturally bitter, as it contain saponins in the seed hull. The bitter seed has to be dehulled and washed before consumption, however, varieties with low saponin content has been developed, such as Vikinga. Smaller equipment developed for quinoa is being tested (if interested, please contact us on info@quinoaquality.com).
In South America good processing plants have been built during the last ten years, but the capacity is too high and they are too expensive at the moment, when quinoa production is just being built up.
When buying seeds a cultivation guide will be included.
0.
Vegative phase
2.
Bud visible
4.
Bud ca. 0.5 cm
6.
Onset of pyramid shape
8.
Anthesis
10.
Full flowering
12.
Most flowers dehisced
14.
Seed set 1/3 seed set
16.
2/3 seed set
18.
Maturity
(leaves green>yellow)
20.
Mature
1.
Bud formation
Bud covered by leaf
3.
Bud distinct
5.
Bud ca. 1 cm
7.
Distinct pyramid shape
9.
Half flowering
11.
Floral dehiscence Onset
13.
Only wilted anthers
15.
Half seed set
17.
Full seed set
19.
Maturity
(leaves yellow>green)
21.
Wilted
